Defense and national security

Executive Order 13709: National Security Medal

President: Barack Obama

Updated the National Security Medal rules by broadening eligible national-security contributions and modernizing award administration.

Status: In effect. Is Executive Order 13709 still in effect? Yes. Executive Order 13709 remains operative: the Federal Register records no revocation, and the U.S. Code compilation retains its amendments to Executive Order 10431 governing National Security Medal eligibility and award processing. Sources: Federal Register 2015 executive order disposition table, EO 13709; Signed Executive Order 13709; U.S. Code, Executive Order 10431 as amended by Executive Order 13709.

What does Executive Order 13709 do?

EO 13709 amended the 1953 National Security Medal order. It allows the medal to recognize any person, regardless of nationality, including US military members, for exceptionally meritorious service in a high-responsibility national-security role or an act of heroism showing extraordinary courage. It also sets a documented nomination process through the National Security Council Executive Secretary, with final presidential approval and preparation by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. The amendment is an award procedure, not an appointment or grant of authority.

Administration position: The order permits a nomination for qualifying service or heroism; it does not guarantee a medal or give recipients operational powers.
SignedOctober 2, 2015
Base orderEO 10431
EligibilityAny person regardless of nationality, subject to award criteria

Before and after

Before the order

EO 10431 used older eligibility and award-administration rules.

After the order

A broader eligible group and a documented NSC nomination and approval path applied.

Who had to do what

Agency / officeActionTiming / position
NominatorsSubmit documented recommendations to the NSC Executive SecretaryAs applicable
NSC Executive SecretaryAssess recommendations and obtain presidential approvalAs applicable
Office of the Director of National IntelligencePrepare the medal after approvalAs applicable

What happened next

EO 10431 established the medal.

EO 13709 amended eligibility and administration.